Multilateralism is an approach of international cooperation, wherein multiple states cooperate to resolve problems and focus on common objectives, highlighting equality, inclusivity, and mutual respect. Under Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s leadership, Bangladesh’s multilateralism flourished, marking a watershed moment in its advancement.
During his tenure as Bangladesh's founding leader and Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman showed exceptional geopolitical savvy in forging interactions with a broad spectrum of countries and international organizations. His global worldview advocated peace, economic progress, and an equitable society.
Ramesh Chandra, former Secretary General of the World Peace Council once quoted, “Sheikh Mujib is a man of peace, a man of independence, and a man of the world. He is not just the Bangabandhu (Friend of Bangladesh), he is also the Viswa Bandhu (Friend of the World).” Undoubtedly, by means of his foreign policy apparatus and non-polarized campaigns, he proved himself as an influential figure on the global stage.
To feed its 75 million people, a war-torn Bangladesh had to win the admiration of the global community to restore its economy. Forging a stance in world politics, Bangabandhu used diplomatic maneuvering to establish Bangladesh as an international power. His primary focus was on protecting the country's national interests and sovereignty. Bangabandhu traveled to the United States and China despite their institutionalized opposition during the liberation war while strengthening ties with his trusted friend India, Indira Gandhi, and the former USSR.
After achieving independence, Bangladesh made significant efforts to promote regional as well as global peace. In 1972, the Constitution of Bangladesh was expeditiously formed, with Articles 27-44 explicitly safeguarding the recognition and preservation of 18 fundamental human and civil rights and Article 25 of the constitution highlights the foreign policy of Bangladesh was shaped in accordance with the primary principle of Bangabandhu’s foreign policy dictum, “Friendship to all, malice towards none," ensuring the country can safeguard its legitimate national interests as a sovereign, independent state.
Bangabandhu wanted Bangladesh to be an “Island of Peace,” as he believed no country could flourish and prosper without peace and stability. At the height of the Cold War, while Bangladesh was being formed, its leaders opted to adopt a pragmatic and collegial strategy. Initially, he declared to make Bangladesh the “Switzerland of the East" -- an impartial diplomatic player that no other country would feel threatened by.
The establishment of Bangladesh’s international legitimacy as a sovereign state was Mujib’s primary objective. He took Bangladesh’s friendships with neighbouring countries very seriously. Developing strong connections with other countries in South and Southeast Asia was a key aspect of Mujib’s regional policy.
The newly independent Bangladesh was promptly recognized by the liberation movement-supporting nations, particularly in the surrounding region. On April 18, 1972, Bangladesh officially became the 32nd member of the Commonwealth. Bangladesh realized mutual respect for sovereignty, equality, and brotherhood would serve as an underpinning for Bangladesh's sustained relationships with other Commonwealth of Nations members.
Bangladesh's foreign policy focused on avoiding conflict and confrontation in order to promote stronger cooperation and the combining of resources in favour of every individual. Bangladesh's neutrality and positive relationships with all countries, including the superpowers, were Bangabandhu’s priorities throughout the Cold War.
In September of 1973, Mujib traveled to Algiers to participate in the Non-Allied Movement (NAM) Council meeting. Furthermore, Bangladesh became a member of the United Nations on September 18, 1974 -- after receiving broad backing from every country and passing all bilateral and multilateral recognitions.
On September 25, 1974, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman became the first person from Bangladesh, to give a speech in Bangla at the UN General Assembly (UNGA). He said, “Bangladesh is not subscribed to the Marxist or Maoist tenets, but rather to bring about political and social change.” Further, he expressed that his government would not bring socialism from outside, instead opting to create a socialist society in Bangladesh that would not interfere with democracy, social justice, or people's rights. The plan was to reform society by instituting a socialist system that was both democratic and effective.
Again, on September 25, 1974, he spoke in the 29th UNGA to usher new ideas and strategies to create a free society of economic inequality, social injustice, military aggression, and nuclear war. He argued that peace was crucial to preserving the human species. Peace represents the goals and ambitions of people all across the globe, regardless of gender. Unless justice is present, there can be no lasting peace.
Throughout its very brief existence under Sheikh Mujib’s leadership, Bangladesh showed unwavering dedication to mitigating global suffering and fostering international peace. Despite Israel's efforts to provide support, including arms and ammunition, to the Mujib Nagar government during the 1971 conflict, Bangladesh refused this assistance due to the alignment of its objective of upholding the legitimate and inherent rights of the Palestinian people.
Moreover, on February 4, 1972, Israel submitted a formal proposition to acknowledge the sovereignty of the newly established Bangladesh. Bangabandhu later declined the formal offer of recognition from Israel. Even against the face of the US, in 1973 Bangladesh supported the Provisional Revolutionary Government of Vietnam, which had been formed to help South Vietnam's revolutionaries to attain their freedom and human rights.
It may be palpable that Bangabandhu’s multilateralism shaped Bangladesh’s foreign policy, adopting a balanced and inclusive response to global issues to achieve prosperity and solidarity. His emphasis on mutual respect as well as cooperation generated the framework for Bangladesh's active involvement in regional and international forums including SAARC, BIMSTEC, IORA, Commonwealth, and OIC.
Exceptions as well as concerns in the time of great power rivalry, despite reportedly profound lobbying from the US and its coalition partners of being members of their Indo-Pacific alliance and China's simultaneous plea to Dhaka not to enter into any geopolitical orbit, Bangladesh has chosen to follow Bangabandhu’s footprint for crafting its own Indo-Pacific strategies.
In conclusion, I would like to add a comment from the journalist of New Egypt, Hassanein Heikal. He said, “Nasser does not belong to Egypt only. He is the messenger of freedom for the entire Arab world. His Arab nationalism is the message of freedom for the Arab people. In similar fashion, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman does not belong to Bangladesh alone. He is the harbinger of freedom for all Bengalis. Bengali civilization and culture surfaced afresh from his Bengali nationalism. Mujib is the hero of the Bengalis, in the past and in the times that are.”
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had a remarkable leadership ability that propelled him to become the unequivocal leader of the entire population. His effective leadership, astuteness, and interpersonal relationships with world leaders facilitated his attainment of diplomatic triumphs on the global stage fostering friendly connections and collaboration.
It's a great honour for the Bangladesh government that the famous quote, “Friendship to all, malice towards none” by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, has been included in the 14th paragraph of the UNGA resolution called “International Year of Dialogue as a Guarantee of Peace, 2023."
After all, despite the tragic end of Bangabandhu’s life on August 15, 1975, his legacy remained as his hopes and dreams inspired the development of Bangladesh over the following 48 years. At present, Bangladesh is widely recognized as one of the world's most progressive and peaceful countries. “Amader Sangram Muktir Sangram” must go on because of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s unfinished goals.
Sauid Ahmed Khan is a freelance contributor.